Double acting spring motor



y 16, 1961 w. B. STUHLER 2,984,065

DOUBLE ACTING SPRING MOTOR Filed July 15, 1960 INVENTOR. VV/L 4 MM 3. 5701/1. 1?

BYWPM? DOUBLE ACTING SPRING MOTOR William B. Stuhler, Dallas, Tex., assignor to Collins Radio Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a corporation of Iowa Filed July 15, 1960, Ser. No. 43,202 5 Claims. (Cl. 60-7) This invention relates generally to high speed actuators and more particularly to an extremely rapid actuating mechanism employing solenoid triggering mechanisms in conjunction with an air cylinder mechanical energy storing arrangement whereupon the closing of an electrical circuit initiates a nearly instantaneous mechanical action to axially displace a rod member from one position to the other.

A system such as the actuating mechanism of the present invention might find special usage for the operation of a plunger-type coaxial switch wherein it is necessary to move the plunger in an extremely rapid fashion from one position to the other to operate the switching mechanism. Such an application might be found, for example, in a duplexing arrangement employing a plunger-type coaxial switch. Because of the requirement for translating an appreciable mass at an extremely high velocity from one position to another, the actuating mechanism must incorporate, in addition to means for rapidly displacing an activating rod, provisions for adequate damping features to reduce the impact shock to a tolerable minimum. In actuating mechanisms of this general type, it is further desirable and ofttimes imperative that the switching cycle be initiated as nearly instantaneously upon the introduction of an electrical command as is possible while retaining the necessary features of developing sufficient power in the switching cycle to complete the cycle in a minimum of time.

It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a high speed switch actuator of a novel electromechanical type in which an extremely rapid switching cycle is effected.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a bidirectional switch actuating mechanism wherein a rapid switching cycle is initiated as nearly instantaneously as possible upon the selective operation of a cooperating electrical circuit.

Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of an actuating mechanism utilizing a mechanical energy preloading arrangement in conjunction with an electromechanical triggering mechanism in which the sequence of operation upon the initiation of a switching cycle is assured due to the inherent difierence in response times of the electrical trigger circuitry as compared to the purely mechanical features.

The invention is featured in the provision of a switch actuating mechanism including compression spring energy storing means operated in correct sequence with an electrical triggering mechanism wherein the trigger release is accomplished at nearly the same instant at which an electrical controlling switch is operated.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which the single figure is a functional electromechanical diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

:The actuating mechanism of the present invention is somewhat like that of a toggle switch in operation since,

it utilizes mechanically stored energy to fire a plunger and second positions. In its simplest form then, the actuating mecha-- nism for a single cycle is not unlike the firing of a The present invention, however, em-' bodies an exacting further refinement over this known= mechanical expedient in that the firing is not only acor rod member very rapidly between first cocked rifle.

complished at a rapid rate but is initiated nearly instantaneously upon the application of an electrical command or impulse to the system. The system to be described is capable of accomplishing an extremely rapid translation of an actuating rod a predetermined distance in either direction upon throwing an electrical switch to first and second positions. The rapid translation of the actuating rod is initiated almost instantaneously upon the control switch circuit being broken. The system does not depend upon a second switch position being closed but rather utilizes the second switch position as a means forreverse cycle.-

readying the triggering mechanism for 2. operation.

With reference to the figure, the actuating mechanism of the present invention includes an actuator rod member 13 to which is imparted the aforedescribed rapid axial;v Rod member 13 is slideably received in a. spring retaining yoke 10 at bearing points 11 and 12... Rod member 13 has affixed thereto and extending trans-- vcrsely therefrom a spring retaining member 16. Com-- 14 and 15 extend circumferentially about: the rod 13. In the illustrated position of rod 13, spring; 14 is in its normal or uncompressed state, while spring 15' is compressed and confined between member 16 and the end of spring retaining member 10, with retaining member 16 holding the spring compression due to its coopera-- tion with a trigger member 28. Thus, in the illustratedi position ready to be: disengagement of the:

translation.

pression springs position, rod 13 is in a cocked rapidly translated to the left upon trigger member 28 from spring retaining member 16.

of two possible positions.

connected to the piston rod second position as indicated tion of the member 17 at 17';

of a switching cycle.

The trigger mechanism of the present invention com-- prises first and second solenoids 23 and 24 which have:

trigger mem-- attached to their respective cores 25 and 26 bers 27 and 28. Solenoids 23 and 24 are normally energized such that the core members are imparted with an upward force against the retaining action of spring members 30 and 31. Trigger member 28 is thus positioned to engage and prevent translation of spring retaining bar 16 as long as the associated solenoid 24 is energized. Upon de-energization of either of the solenoids 23 and 24 the associated trigger members 27 and 28 are drawn downwardly by the spring members 30 and 31 such that they are not in an engageable position with respect to the spring confining member 16. A source of direct-current voltage 34-35 is selectively connect-able to the solenoids 23 and 24 in conjunction with the operation of a control relay and relays 37 and 38. Control relay 60 is selectively energized by means of a control switch 61 in conjunction with a power source 62-63. A third relay 36 is additionally associated with .the control circuitry to operate a solenoid valve 52 for 'the proper sequential operation of air cylinder 19 to mechanically preload the triggering mechanism.

The control system for the present invention is such that a switching cycle is initiated upon the breakingof the connections effected by either position of switches 42 and 43 of control relay 6! Switch 42 is seen to be comp isedof first and second terminals 44 and 45 and themovable arm thereof is connected directly to afirst terminal 35 of the voltage source. Switch 43 is seen to include first and second terminals 46 and 47 audits ITIOV? able arm is also connected directly to terminal 35 of the voltage source. Terminal 44 of switch 42 is connected to one end of solenoid 24 while terminal 45 is connected to one end of solenoid 23. A relay contact 4%, when closed, completes an interconnection between terminal 45 of switch 42 and power terminal 35. Terminal 46 of switch43 is seen to be connected to one end of the Winding of a relay 38 which controls relay contact so, while terminal 47 of switch 43 is connected to the firstends of the windings of relays 36 and 37. The remaining ends of the windings of relays 36, 37 and 38 as well as the. remaining ends of solenoids 23 and 24 are returned in common to the second voltage source terminal 34. Relay 37, when energized, positions a relay contact 39 which connects the power source terminal 35 directly to solenoid 24.

Relay 36 is associated with the solenoid valve control 52. Valve 52 includes an air supply intake port 15 which may be selectively connected to lines 21 and 22 which connect to opposite ends ofthe air cylinder 19. Valve 52 additionally includes exhaust ports 53 and 54. The air valve is shown only functionally in the drawings in that it might be any type of known solenoid operated valves of the two position-five way type. Thus in the unenergized position of relay 36, as illustrated, the valve functions to connect the air supply line 15 to line 22 so as to withdraw the air cylinder piston rod 18 to the left, While simultaneously connecting line 21 to one of the exhaust ports 53 or 54. Upon energization of relay 36, valve 52 functions to connect the air supply line 15 to line 21 while connecting air line 22 to the other exhaust port. This functioning is conventional for double acting air cylinder mechanisms and need not be described in detail herein. It suffices to state that the energization of relay 36 causes the cylinder piston 18 to be displaced outwardly from the air cylinder 19 such that the spring retaining yoke 111 of the trigger mechanism, assumes the position indicated by 17'. Conversely, when the relay 36 is unenergized the val e mechanism causes the piston rod 13 to be withdrawn into cylinder 19 such that the spring retaining member 19 assumes the illustrated position. 1

In' operation, let it be assumed that the system is in the illustrated mechanical position. Actuating rod 13 will have been fired to the right such that spring retaining member 16 is retained by trigger member 28. The

spring retaining yoke will have been withdrawn by piston rod 18 towards the left'of the figure so as to preload compression spring to ready the system for firing the actuator rod 13 towards the left upon a disengagement between trigger member 28 and spring retaining member 16. Control relay 6% is unenergized with switches 4243 in the left-hand position and relay 33 is energized such that both solenoids 23 and 24 are'energized to hold the respective trigger members 27' and 28 in the upward engageable position with respect to spring retaining member 16. Since relayr36 is not energized in this switch position, the. associated air valve 52 supplies the proper channeling of'the air supply 15 to hold the piston rod 18 and thus spring retaining yoke it? in the illustrated position so as to preload 15.

Assuming now. that control relay 60 is energized by closing switch 61 such that switches 42-43 are switched to, the position opposite that illustrated, the following se quence is initiated.

'The switching sequence is initiated by the breaking of the contacts formed by the movable arms of switches 42 V and 43 and switch contacts 44 and 46'respectively. The

assent removal of the power supply c nnection from terminal 35' through switch contact 44 tie-energizes solenoid 24. Spring 31 retracts the plunger 26 of solenoid 24 to withdraw trigger member 28 so as to release its contact with spring retaining member 16. Compression spring 15 then shifts the actuator rod 13 at a very high rate of speed to the left. Spring retaining member 16 is caught and retained by trigger member 27.

The breaking of the contacts formed by the movable arm 46 interrupts the connection of power source 34 35 to, relay 38, however, the action of control relay 60 is such that the making of switch contact 42-45 is realized before the magnetic field drops in relay 38 and therefore solenoid coil 23 is not deenergized and the associated trigger member 27 is not withdrawn.

When the control switch 4243 engages the righthand contacts 45 and 47, the control circuitry energizes relay36 and 37. Solenoid 24 is thus momentarily deenergized during the act of switching by the act of break ing the connection with contact 44 of switch 42 and is reeenergized due to the energization of relay 37 and closing of relay contact 39 upon completing the switching. In this instance terminal 35 of the power source is connected through relay contact 39 to solenoid 24. The operation of relay 36 actuates valve 52 such that the air supply 15 is now connected through line 21 and piston rod 18 of cylinder 19 is displaced outwardly from the cylinder such that the spring retaining yoke 10 assumes the position indicated by the broken line. The shifting of the spring retaining yoke 10 with respect to the trigger mechanism, now preloads compression spring 14 such.

that the mechanism is in a position opposite to that illustrated and is in readiness to be switched back in the same manner.

A unique advantage is inherent in the control system valve control relay 36 is actuated at the same moment as the trigger mechanism, the correct sequence is eflected.

since the air circuit which shifts spring retaining yoke 10 to accomplish the prcloading feature has a longer spouse time than the switching mechanism itself. Thus, the response time of the solenoid coils 37 and 38 is utilized as a means of obtaining the desired time delay for triggering the switch. The time for breaking contacts 44 or 46 to the making of contacts 45 or 47 must only be less than the fall out time of relays 38 and 37 respectively to prevent retraction of the catching trigger member 23 or 24.

The proper sequence is then the momentary withdrawal of the retaining trigger mechanism 27 or 28 from contact with spring retaining member 16; the displacement of the actuator rod 13 by the compressed spring 14 or 15; the engagement of spring retaining member 16 with the catching trigger member 27 or 28; and the shifting of the spring retaining yoke 10 to preload the appropriate.

compression spring 14 or 15. The electromechanical trigger mechanism of the present invention enables an extremely rapid switching function due to the retaining a more rapid rate than in conventional systems since the solenoid return springs 30 and 31 are chosen to be pre loaded. during the loading cycle to the point where the force impartedby the springs 30 and 31m withdraw the,

trigger members 27 and 28 from contact with the spring retaining member 16 is nearly equal to the holding forceof the solenoids. This preloading feature can be made 1 quite precisely such that release of the triggeris accomplished at nearly the same instant that the magnetic field of the associated solenoid loses some strength. The release of the retaining trigger may then be effected almost instantaneously with the interruption of the energizing signal.

A switching mechanism, in accordance with the present invention, has been constructed wherein the actual switching time from the time the control switch 42-43 opened, until the actuator rod 13 completed one inch travel, was approximately 0.010 second. The embodiment was caused to be constructed for operation of a plunger operated coaxial switch, such as switch 48 illustrated in the figure, wherein the trigger mechanism was utilized to switch an incoming line 49 to either of two channels 50 or 51. The actuating mechanism is seen to incorporate the inherented advantages of a toggle-action mechanical switch in that a source of stored mechanical energy is utilized to accomplish an extremely rapid trigger action. The present invention, however, unlike convention toggle switching mechanism, incorporates anelectromechanical trigger control circuitry wherein the resulting switching mechanism not only includes the desirable rapid action of the toggle but further incorporates means analogous to rapidly throwing the conventional toggle switch from one position to the other.

Although this invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited as changes might be made therein which lie within the scope of the invention as defined by the appendant claims.

I claim:

1. A high speed actuating mechanism comprising a yoke member, an actuator rod slideably received in first and second ends of said yoke member, an air cylinder and control valve means therefore, a plunger operably received within said cylinder and adapted to be positionable to first and second positions therein, a rod connected to said plunger and extending from said cylinder, said rod connected to said yoke member whereby said yoke member may be axially translated with respect to said actuator rod in accordance with the position of said plunger within said cylinder, a spring retaining member afiixed to and extending transversely from said actuator rod between the first and second ends of said yoke member, first and second compression springs each extending inwardly from the ends of said yoke member concentrically about said actuator rod, first and second trigger mechanisms afiixed with respect to said air cylinder and each normally in an engageable position with respect to said spring retaining member, one of said trigger mechanisms engaging said spring retaining member with said yoke member being positioned to a first position thereof whereby one of said compression springs is held in loaded confinement between an end of said yoke member and said spring retaining means, and control means associated with said trigger mechanisms and said control valve means for sequentially efiecting a release of the retaining trigger mechanism to translate said actuator rod to effect engagement between said spring retaining means and the other of said trigger mechanisms and sequential translation of said yoke member to the opposite position thereof with respect to said trigger mechanisms, whereby the other of said compression springs is held in loaded confinement between the other end of said yoke and said spring retaining means.

2. An actuating mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said trigger mechanisms are respectively afiixed to first and second solenoid core members, each said trigger mechanisms being held in an engageable position with respect to said spring retaining member when the associated solenoid is energized; said control means in cluding switching means to momentarily and alternately de-energize the solenoid associated with the trigger mechanism engaging said spring retaining means and sequentially activate said valve control means to effect said translation of said yoke member.

3. An actuating mechanism as defined in claim 2. including spring restraining means operably connected to each said solenoid cores whereby the associated trigger mechanism is held in an engageable position with respect to said spring retaining means against the loading of said restraining spring and said restraining spring effects a withdrawal of the associated trigger mechanism from engagement with said spring retaining means upon the associated solenoid being de-energized by said control means.

4. An actuator mechanism as defined in claim 3 wherein said spring restraining means are adapted to impart a force against the engageable position of said trigger mechanisms with respect to said spring retaining means substantially equal that of the holding force of the associated energized solenoids, said trigger mechanisms being thereby withdrawn from confining engagement with said spring retaining means substantially instantaneously upon the magnetic field of the energized solenoid being weakened, whereby disengagement between the trigger mechanism engaging said spring retaining means is efiected substantially simultaneously with the operation of said control means.

5. An actuating device is defined in claim 2 wherein said control means comprises switching means including selectable positionable first position and second positions thereof, a voltage source, first, second, and third relays, a first terminal of said voltage source connected to first ends of each of said first and second solenoids and said first, second, and third relays, said switching means being adapted in a first position thereof to connect the second terminal of said voltage source to the other end of said first solenoid through contacts of said switching means and being further adaptable in the first position thereof to energize said first relay to connect said second terminal of said voltage source to the other end of said second solenoid; said switching means being adaptable in a second position thereof to de-energize said first relay and energize said second and third relays to connect the second terminal of said voltage source through contacts of said switching means to the other end of said second solenoid and to further connect the second terminal of said voltage source through contacts of said second relay to the other end of said first solenoid; said third relay being operably connected to position said control valve means from a first to a second position thereof when energized.

No references cited. 

